helping a loved one with anorexia

[smirfy21]

I have recently come to realise that one of my loved ones is in serious need of some kind of help, they have been seriously harming themselves and spiralling back into anorexia. I really don't know what to do as they have asked me to keep quiet about what I know but If I don't tell anybody they could end up killing themselves and I would never be able to live with myself if that happened.

please I really need to know what to do because this is new for me and Im not sure her parents would even believe me if I told them what I know anyway
smirfy

[Munchroom]

This is a lot of added pressure on you Smirfy 

Is she seeing her doctor or recieving any kind of treatment?

xx

[Got]

How old is the person?

I would try to get her to see a doctor asap.

[Sweetpea]

This a very hard situation for you Smirfy.  I can only say that you encourage this person to seek medical help as soon as possible.

S x x x x

[Zaf]

It is hard for you smirfy, try to encourage her to see a doctor or perhaps one of the help groups for eating disorders

Z xx

[smirfy21]

we met at uni and became really close but I noticed something was wrong when she became very closed off and stopped leaving the flat, it was then that I noticed not only had she stopped eating but she had cut herself up pretty badly.
when I pleaded with her to go to her GP or to go and talk to someone she told me that she didn't feel that it would help and point blank refused to go. I don't really know her parents very well but I feel that they need to know what is going on so they can get her some help as she is obviously in to much of a state to get it herself.
Do you think I am over stepping the line in contacting her parents? will she forgive me if I do?
I can't let her do this to herself
smirfy

[Zaf]

She may never forgive you smirfy but telling her parents could save her life - a difficult decision for you

Z xx

[Sweetpea]

I agree its a difficult decision, but I feel it was me I would have to tell them, she may not forgive you but you could save her life.

S x x x x

[smirfy21]

Thanks guys you have been really helpful, I got in contact with her parents last night and told them what was going on which was possibly the hardest thing I have ever had to do but I know that it was for the best and even if she never forgives me I know I did the right thing.
They were naturally very concerned and are going to try and sway her in the direction of help and support but as they said she has to want help and they cannot force her. This is obviously something that has been going on for a while because they didn't react the way I thought they would 
anyway I am still waiting for a phone call or for her to come and bang on my door to ask me why I did this to her, this is not going to end well for us but It was too much for me to handle alone.
smirfy

[Sweetpea]

I feel you have done the right thing Smirfy, its up to her parents to help and encourage her to get help now.  Well done.

S x x x x

[Zaf]

I think you did too smirfy, even if she reacts badly to begin with she may realise you did it for the best reasons later

Z xx

[KateG]

Smirfy I think you did the right thing too. Even if she is upset now, in time she will hopefully see that you were looking out for her and you only did it because you care